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How to Unlock and Open the Poké Portal in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

The Poké Portal unlocks when you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos. Open it with X, then press L to switch between Local and Internet communication.
WorldPokémon Scarlet and Violet Length1 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos to unlock the Poké Portal in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Once it is available, press X during gameplay and select Poké Portal. Press L in the portal menu to switch between Local and Internet communication.

How to unlock the Poké Portal

  1. Play through the opening of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet until you reach the first Pokémon Center in Los Platos.
  2. After reaching it, open the in-game menu by pressing X and choose Poké Portal.

Nintendo identifies reaching that first Pokémon Center as the point when the feature becomes available. You do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership just to unlock or open the menu. Nintendo Support: multiplayer setup

Choose Local or Internet communication

In the Poké Portal menu, press L to change the communication mode:

  • Local: Connect with nearby players using local wireless communication.
  • Internet: Connect with distant players and use online play. Online features require a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Nintendo also lists an online membership requirement for receiving Mystery Gifts. Nintendo Support: receiving a Mystery Gift

Nintendo describes multiplayer for two to four players who each have a copy of Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Players can explore, battle, trade, and challenge Tera Raid Battles together using online or local wireless communication. Nintendo Support: multiplayer setup

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#1 Best Overall
Pokémon Scarlet - Nintendo Switch - Standard Edition
  • New Pokémon to Discover - Learn new details about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—the three Pokémon from which you’ll choose your first partner—along with other wonderful new Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon!
  • The World of Pokémon Has Evolved - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver—one welcoming even to newcomers to the series.​
  • You can experience a new style of adventure, with a world that you’re free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story. You will, of course, journey to hone your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, but many more discoveries and stories await you. Meet a variety of people and Pokémon, and adventure in the world of Pokémon the way you want to.
  • A Deeper Experience with Multiplayer* Gameplay - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow multiplayer gameplay with up to four players.​ Along with series staples, such as trading and battling Pokémon, you will be able to explore the various locations of the region in these games with other players. You can discover new Pokémon and explore unfamiliar areas with your friends and family, opening the door to an adventure more precious and fun than ever!
  • Meet the characters - As one of the main characters, you’ll set off on your adventure. Your outfit will vary depending on whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Who knows what kind of story awaits you? For the first time in the series, one of two different professors will appear in your game depending on the version you choose to play.
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Why a Poké Portal activity may still be unavailable

Unlocking the portal opens the feature, but it does not immediately unlock every activity inside it. Tera Raid Battles become available after you leave Mesagoza to begin the Treasure Hunt. Certain limited-time raids can have additional story-progression or postgame requirements, particularly for hosting. Check the requirements for the specific activity if it is not available in your menu.

Rank #3
Pokémon Scarlet/Pokémon Violet Expansion Pass: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero (Retail Version) Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]
  • Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
  • The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.
Rank #2
Pokémon Scarlet - US Version
  • Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
  • Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities.
  • Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea.
  • Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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